KerfWatcher
ArboristSite Member
Long time searcher and reader, first time poster. I have transitioned more into using saws for problem solving than 'enjoying' working on them and lite collecting. Looking to upgrade / downsize / modernize my fleet into ideally 2 saws, one of which being the Echo CS 2511t. Goal here is to 'cry once' and end up with a saw that I can have for the next 10-20 years (with proper care of course) and not have to worry about or constantly work on. All so far have been purchased used and while run good, some just look well, well used (faded, scratches, etc). I like tools and for me it's nice to look at and use nice equipment and not have to worry about something that may break in the near future. I take care of my stuff and want to treat myself to a saw that I know the history on 100% to hopefully get years of trouble free use.
Current Stable
Husky 372xp 'older', full wrap handle, 24" bar, large dogs....my stump cutter and large bucker / noodler.
Husky 372xp modern, 20" bar, stock handle and dogs, looks horrible, runs great, awesome power, usually my go to for clean work.
Husky 359, 20" bar for 'dirty work', cutting roots, nasty stumps, bushes, brush. Better handling than the 372, but don't have the stump cutting power.
Stihl MS361, 25" bar, all around-er, but mostly de-limber. Great reach for my height to not bend over when limbing or cutting up ~3-6" diameter logs on the ground, poor balance with that bar otherwise though - might keep
Stihl 026, 18" .325, classic, great condition, backup, smaller stuff - will probably keep
Stihl 019t, top handle, yes it gets used on the ground, really like the diagonal handle not found on most top handle saws hence the 2511t 'replacement'.
Stiihl 009, precision and carving attempt.
Olympic 264F(?), with sandvik 20" 60cc, cool factor - will keep
Stihl Kombi pole saw system - extremely useful
Ryobi expand it pole saw (bought new, needed it now, works good) for some toro power heads
I am wanting to replace the first 3-4 listed above with a 24-28" bar saw. Key factors are reliability, longevity, warranty, known history, and overall usefulness (nimbleness balanced with speed and power).
Currently looking at the following for the big saw.
Husky 572 / 372 with a 24-28" bar
Makita 79X0 with a 28" bar
Stihl MS462 or maybe a 661
Stihl MS500i R?
There is one local place that sells and services the Makita, trying to get my hands on one soon.
Two Husky dealers
One Echo actual dealer
Lots of Stihl dealers
Use: Average one weekend a month 'home owner/farm' cutting while helping out friends as need be. High speed of cutting in the 2-6" diameter range is a priority, up to ~20" diameter in one pass.
Thanks for reading this.
Current Stable
Husky 372xp 'older', full wrap handle, 24" bar, large dogs....my stump cutter and large bucker / noodler.
Husky 372xp modern, 20" bar, stock handle and dogs, looks horrible, runs great, awesome power, usually my go to for clean work.
Husky 359, 20" bar for 'dirty work', cutting roots, nasty stumps, bushes, brush. Better handling than the 372, but don't have the stump cutting power.
Stihl MS361, 25" bar, all around-er, but mostly de-limber. Great reach for my height to not bend over when limbing or cutting up ~3-6" diameter logs on the ground, poor balance with that bar otherwise though - might keep
Stihl 026, 18" .325, classic, great condition, backup, smaller stuff - will probably keep
Stihl 019t, top handle, yes it gets used on the ground, really like the diagonal handle not found on most top handle saws hence the 2511t 'replacement'.
Stiihl 009, precision and carving attempt.
Olympic 264F(?), with sandvik 20" 60cc, cool factor - will keep
Stihl Kombi pole saw system - extremely useful
Ryobi expand it pole saw (bought new, needed it now, works good) for some toro power heads
I am wanting to replace the first 3-4 listed above with a 24-28" bar saw. Key factors are reliability, longevity, warranty, known history, and overall usefulness (nimbleness balanced with speed and power).
Currently looking at the following for the big saw.
Husky 572 / 372 with a 24-28" bar
Makita 79X0 with a 28" bar
Stihl MS462 or maybe a 661
Stihl MS500i R?
There is one local place that sells and services the Makita, trying to get my hands on one soon.
Two Husky dealers
One Echo actual dealer
Lots of Stihl dealers
Use: Average one weekend a month 'home owner/farm' cutting while helping out friends as need be. High speed of cutting in the 2-6" diameter range is a priority, up to ~20" diameter in one pass.
Thanks for reading this.